Unit dispensing devices



May 1, 1956 J. WlNN UNIT DISPENSING DEVICES 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 18, 1952 HVVENTOR.

I'm-m Wmw May 1, 1956 Filed June 18, 1952 J. WlNN UNIT DISPENSING DEVICES 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 (729 7 9 JWC 7 John .ldjgde INVENTOR.

May 1, 1956 J. WlNN 2,743,820

UNIT DISPENSING DEVICES Filed June 18, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN V EN TOR.

May 1, 1956 J. WlNN 2,743,820

UNIT DISPENSING DEVICES 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 18, 1952 INVENTOR.

Jo/z/z Wirzzz,

United States Patent 0 UNIT DISPENSING DEVICES John Winn, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Wynnwood Corp., Winnetka, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application June 18, 1952, Serial No. 294,252

14 Claims. (Cl. 211-49) This invention relates to unit dispensing devices and, more particularly, to those for dispensing a series of articles, one at a time, at the lower end of a gravity chute.

This application is a continuation-in-part of a copending application of John Winn, Ser. No. 80,049, filed March 7, 1949, and entitled, Unit Dispensing Devices.

The most common type of dispensing devices now used are equipped with ejectors, releasers or other dispensing means. However, the articles handled are usually of similar, uniform symetrical shape or size or weight. To operate the usual device requires a pull or push of a substantial amount to counteract the effect of a heavy restoral spring. The handling of dissimilar irregular articles or those of varying consistency or rigidity has usually been accomplished by endless belt conveyor arrangements with complicated loading arrangements which are expensive to manufacture, inconvenient to load or refill and difficult to operate.

A primary object of the present invention is to produce a compact device that is capable of quickly loading and dispensing irregular shaped articles of varying dimensions, weight, consistency or rigidity. Only a very small external impulse sufficient to release a single small latch is required to operate the device. When this single small latch is released, the pull of gravity exerted by the weight of the article to be dispensed starts a series of operations. The lowermost article is delivered immediately and then the remaining articles advance successively in order that a second article shall be in place ready for delivery in response to a second external impulse. No external power is required for this series of operations.

Another object is to provide a dispensing apparatus having a plurality of article storage units in which a plurality of locked article storage unit barriers or gates are sequentially released to dispense the articles, and in which the barriers are prevented from being relocked until an article is positioned in the lower adjacent storage unit.

Another object is the provision of dispensing apparatus having a plurality of releasable gates or barriers forming article storage units in which the apparatus may be refilled without sequentially latching and releasing all of the gates or barriers preceding the empty article storage unit.

In accordance with the present invention there is produced a unit dispensing device which occupies a minimum of space. It is inexpensive to produce and operate. It is positive in its action both in loading and delivery. It handles articles of varying size, shape, weight, consistency or rigidity without special packaging or adjusting. It is easy and convenient to load. It makes delivery in a minimum of time. It requires only a very small external impulse to start operations. The pull of gravity on the articles to be dispensed completes the delivery.

Further objects of my invention hereinafter appear from the following description of preferred embodiments illustrative of the invention and shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

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Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic drawing illustrating a series of compartments making up part of a dispensing chute constructed in accordance with the present invention and indicating the manner in which the delivery and loading operations are effected;

Fig. 2 is a side view of a section of the chute with the nearer enclosing and supporting side removed;

Fig. 3 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on line 33 of Fig. 2 with the supporting sides in place;

Figs. 4a to 4e, inclusive, are schematic diagrams indicating the method of loading a second embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 5a to 5e, inclusive, are schematic diagrams indicating the method of delivering articles from the dispensing chute;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view showing, in

solid and dashed outline, the plurality of positions to which a barrier or gate, of the second embodiment of this invention, may be moved;

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of a dispensing chute comprising the second embodiment of the invention and in which the dispensing chute is shown in a horizontal position;

Fig. 8 is a front elevational view taken along the line 8-8 in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view in partial section of the dispensing chute shown in Fig. 7 in which the chute is in an operational position inclined approximately 45 degrees from horizontal;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 1010 in Fig. 7, assuming that the dispensing chute therein is inclined 45 degrees above horizontal;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line Ill-11 in Fig. 9;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 1212 in Fig. 9;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the barrier and locking means for the lowermost article storage unit;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken along the line 14-14 in Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary view of one of the operational positions of the barriers included in the dispensing chute;

Fig. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a second operational position of the barriers or gates; and

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 17-17 in Fig. 16.

In general, the present improved device comprises a chute divided or partitioned into compartments or unit storage sections by means of spaced hinged gates or barriers and associated spaced beds positioned on said chute.

The movable spacer members are so mounted on the beds that they may be forced down by the pull of gravity exerted by the items to be dispensed as they slide down the chute. The transverse gates are designed to span the distance to the next lower contiguous bed and are so counterweighted or provided with restoring springs that they may swing back into positions substantially perpendicular to the chute after an article slides over them. The gates are also equipped with latches associated with contiguous catches and so connected together with ties or links that on receiving an impulse from a lower contiguous tie, a gate unlatches, while the return swing of the deflected gate after the article has passed over it consecutively transmits motivity on its own tie wire unlatching the next higher contiguous gate. If after a gate is so unlatched and there is no downward moving article in position to pass over, it, it remains unlatched until some article does later pass over it. The means for releasing and restoring the spacer members allow articles to pass downward in successive steps from the top bed to the lowest bed. A small external impulse applied to the lowest catch starts a cycle of allowing or withholding the movements of said gates by delivering the lowest article, while each of the other articles moves down one step where it is held against downward movement by the locked barrier next below. When empty, all gates are unlatched except the lowest. An article to be loaded slides down the chute and comes to rest behind the lowest of the series which is locked.

Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, toFigs. l, 2 and 3, thereof, in the device there shown, as illustrative of a section of one embodiment oi: my invention, indicates one of the enclosing, supporting and gliding .sides of a chute disposed at an inclined plane, the angle'of which is ordinarily approximately 40 degrees or more but which may vary according to the size and weight of the articles to be dispensed and according to the reglired speed of delivery. This inclined supporting and guiding member has a top edge 11 and a lower edge 12. The floor of the inclined chute is formed by a series of beds 13, 13A, 13B supported by the sides 10, each of saidbeds being substantially parallel to the chute. The spaces between the beds are spanned by hinged gates or barriers 14, A14, B14. These movable spacer members are designedto restrain the downward movement of the articles to be dispensed and to keep them separated.

Both sides of each barrier are extended by wings 1 fastened at right angles to them and mounted on bearings counterweight 22. A restoring spring may be used in place of a counterweight. These arms are approximately 30 degrees: out of line with the barriers.

The lower end of each of the arms 21 is shaped to form a latch 23. One end of a flat spring 25 is attached to the bottom of each bed, the other end terminating in a catch 24. A flexible wire, cable, chain or other tie 27 connects point 33 on spring 25, adjacent to catch 24A, with arm 21 at a point adjacent to counterweight 22. counterweight 22 is so balanced or the restoring spring is so adjusted that barrier 14 when unlatched and swinging freely will come to rest with its latch 23 outside of catch 24 and less than perpendicular to the chute. When barrier 14 is in down position 15, which is substantially parallel to and coincident with the chute, tie 27 being flexible assumes position 31. Tie 28, attached to the lowermost spring 25 at point 32 adjacent to catch 24 provides the means by which an impulse in the form of slight traction is applied to catch 24.

The lowest barrier 14 on the chute is known as the releaser. Below the releaser there may be placed another short bed or receptacle 29 equipped with a spring 25 which terminates in a catch 24. To its spring 25, at

'point 32 is attached means 28 for applying an external impulse sufiicient to release latch 23 from catch 24. This is merely a trigger action and the releasing impulse may come from a small solenoid, and electro-magnet, a relay, a mechanical source including coin or check controlled apparatus, a manual push or pull or any similar source.

Starting with the chute completely loaded and with all gates latched, refer to Fig. 1 for a description of an unloading and a loading cycle of operations. In Fig. 1, a receptacle and only three units are shown. My invention may include a receptacle and any number of additional units as required. An impulse, in this case in the form of slight traction is applied by means 28 to point 32. Catch 24 releases latch 23 and gate 14, due tothe pull of gravity exerted by article 16, moves to a down position bridging bed 13 with bed 29, allowing article 16 to slide into bed 29 and assume position 30.

After article 16 has passed over gate 14, counterweight 22 restores it towards its substantially perpendicular position gathering enough momentum to swing latch 23 through and beyond catch 24 sufficiently to exert a brief pull on tie 27 before latch 23 comes to rest locked by its associated catch 24. This pull on tie 27 is thus transmitted to point 33 and to catch 24A which then releases latch 23A allowing gate A14 to assume a down position. This permits the next unloading operation moving article 16A from bed 13A to bed 13 and starts the next of a series of similar repetitive operations depending on the number of beds in a higher position. Thus an impulse on a tie always unlatches the next higher gate while an article passing over a deflected gate, due to the rebound of the counterweight, always unlatches the next higher gate and then latches the gate passed over.

Thus in unloading a chute, the first impulse on tie 28 unlatches gate 14. The down movement of article 16 unlatches gate A14 and latches gate 14. The down movement of article 16A unlatches gate B14 and latches gate A14. The down movement of article 163 latches gate B14 leaving bed 13B empty. The second impulse on tie 28 unlatches gate 14. The down movement of article 16A unlatches gate A14 and latches gate 14. The down movement of article 16B unlatches gate B14 and latches gate A14 leaving beds 13B and 13A empty. The third impulse on tie 28 unlatches gate 14. The down movement of article 16B unlatches gate A14 and latches gate 14 leaving beds 13B, 13A, and 13 all empty with gate 14 latched and gates A14 and B14 unlatched.

In loading from the top of the chute, the first article 16 slides over gate B14 latching it, then slides over gate A14 latching it but unlatching gate B14, coming to rest against gate 14 (already latched) on bed 13. The second article 16A slides over gate B14 latching it and then comes to rest against gate A14 (latched by article 16) on bed 13A. The third article 16B then rests against gate B14 (latched by article 16A) on bed 13B.

While only three restraining gates are shown, there may be any required number of them on a given chute. Similar cycles of loading and unloading as described would continue to function to complete a full unloading or loading operation. It is not necessary that a chute with a multiplicity of gates be entirely empty of articles when it is to be loaded, as the condition always prevails that the lowermost gate which is empty is always closed and latched regardless of its position on the chute.

Referring now to Figs. 7 to 12, inclusive, of the drawings, there is shown a second embodiment of the dispensing chute indicated generally at 104 which includes a plurality of article storage units 102, 104 and 1% which are selectively actuated under the control of a releaser or storage unit 108. The relcaser storage unit 108 is controlled by an electrically operated solenoid 110, the energization of which is controlled by an electrical circuit similar to that described and claimed in the copending application of John Winn, Serial No. 119,347, filed Octobet 3, 1949, and entitled, Systems for Ordering and Assembling Articles.

The initial energization of the solenoid 110 operates the releaser storage unit 108 to dispense a stored article 112 and, following the dispensation of this article, the releaser storage unit initiates sequential actuation of the article storage units 102, 104 and 106 to permit the articles 112 stored therein to move into the next lowest storage unit. This cycle of operation is continued until all of the articles 112 in the chute have been dispensed and, at this time, the chute 100 is refilled by feeding articles 112 into the uppermost storage unit 106. The articles placed in the uppermost storage unit 106 slide to the lowest unfilled storage unit so that as each storage unit is filled, the next following article 112 is retained in the next highest storage unit.

Each of the storage units 102, 104, and 106 include a bed plate 114 which is secured between a pair of supporting walls 116 and 118 of the chute 100. The bed plates 114 support the articles 112 and are inclined upwardly with respect to the frame or side walls 116 and 118 of the dispensing chute 100.

To provide the plurality of separate storage units 102, 104 and 106, a plurality of barriers or gates 120 are movably mounted relative to the sidewalls 116, 118 by means of shafts 122 which extend through flanged or winged parts 124 formed integral with the barriers 120. The barriers 120 are of sufficient length that, when pivoted to the positions shown in dotted outline and indicated by the numeral 124 in Fig. 6 of the drawings, they contact the bed plate 114 at the article storage unit adjacent to and lower than the article storage unit with which the displaced barrier 120 is associated. In this manner, the movably mounted barriers or gates 120 provide a surface for conveying the articles 112 from one storage unit to the.

storage unit immediately therebelow.

In order normally to secure the plurality of barriers or gates 120 in a substantially perpendicular, or article intercepting position, thereby to form the plurality of article storage units 102, 104 and 106, a lower depending portion of one of the wings 124 of each of these barriers is provided with a latch member 127 (Figs. 11 and 12). Each of the latch members is provided with a centrally disposed aperture or notch 128 (Fig. 6) within which is received a right angle projection 130 formed on a linking member 132 to provide a catch. The catch or right angle projection 130 is normally received within the notch or latch 123 to secure the plurality of barriers 120 in the perpendicular position shown in solid outline in Fig. 6 of the drawings.

In order to move the catch 130 out of engagement with the notch 128, each lever or link 132 is pivotally mounted on the frame or side wall 116 intermediate its ends by a U-shaped bracket 133. The levers 132 are received within the bifurcation of the brackets 133 so that the brackets act as guides to prevent lateral movement of these levers. At its other end, each lever is engaged by the lower edge of the barrier 120 in the article storage unit immediately below or lower than the storage unit with which the notch 128 and catch 130 are associated. As shown in Fig. 6"

of the drawings, the link or lever 132 is provided with a depressed portion forming a lower level cam surface 134 and an upper level cam surface 136. In the article intercepting position, the lower edge of the barrier 120 normally engages the lower level cam surface 134. In this position, the catch associated with the other end of the link 132 is received within the cooperating notch 128 to hold the barrier 120 of the next highest article storage unit in article intercepting position. A plurality of coil springs 138 (Fig. which interconnect the bed plates 114 with the barrier controlled end of the levers 132, resiliently urge the levers or links 132 into engagement with the lower edge of the barriers 120.

When one of the gates 120 is releasedby disengaging the catch 130 from the notch 128, it is moved to the position shown in dashed outline and indicated as 125 (Fig. 6) by the action of the weight of the article 112 engaging this gate and by the resilient action of a coil spring 140 which interconnects a lower portion of the wing or flange 124 with a lug 142 secured to a flanged portion of the side wall 118. In the position shown at 124, the lower edge of the barrier 120 is moved out of engagement with the end of the lever 132 so that this lever, under the action of the spring 138, moves the catch 130 downwardly in the notch 123 to maintain the gate or barrier 120 in the storage unit, immediately above the one released, in a vertical or article intercepting position.

However, after the article 112 moves from the storage unit controlled by the released barrier 120 and moves thereover to the bed plate 114 of the next lower article storage unit, the released barrier 120 is moved upwardly in a clockwise direction to the position shown in dashed outline at 144 (Fig. 6) under the action of a. spring 146' (Fig. 9) interconnecting the .wing 124 with one of the lugs 142. In this position, the lower edge of the barrier (Fig. 15) is in engagement with the upper or high level cam portion 136 so that the link 132 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction to move the catch out of engagement with the notch 128, thereby to release the barrier or gate 120 in the article storage unit immediately above the one in which the released barrier 120 occupies the position indicated as 144 (Fig. 6). A cam surface 145 formed on the latch element 127 is engaged by the lower edge of the catch 130 during the clockwise rotation of the barrier 120 and serves to lift the catch 130 above the level of the notch 128 so that these members do not move into locking engagement during the clockwise rotation of the barrier 120.

To prevent the released barrier from remaining in the overswung position indicated at 144, the resilient action of the spring is used to rotate the barrier 120 in a counterclockwise direction. This counterclockwise rotation of the barrier 120 continues until the catch 130, which is in sliding engagement with a cam portion 148 on the latch member 127, is moved into alignment with the notch 128. At this time, the catch 130 drops into the notch 128 under the resilient action of the spring 138 to hold the previously released barrier 120 in an article intercepting position. The catch 130 is not free to move into engagement with the notch 128 unless the link or lever 132, with which the latch is integral, is in the position shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings in which the lower edge of the barrier 120, associated with the next lower article storage unit, is in engagement with the lower level cam portion 134.

To provide a means for maintaining a released barrier 120 in an open position as shown in dashed outline and indicated as 150 in Fig. 6, the latch member 127 is provided with a shouldered or stop portion 152 (Figs. 16 and 17). The barriers or gates 120 are positioned as shown at 150 only when the released barrier is associated with an empty article storage unit. A released barrier 120 may be locked in this open position by the engagement of the catch 130 with the stop portion 152 or held therein by the opposed forces of the springs 140 and 146 with the catch 130 in engagement with the cam 145. When the released barrier is retained by a lever 132, as shown in Fig. 6, the next lower barrier 120 is locked in a normal article intercepting position, and the catch 130, associated with the released barrier, engages the cam portion to hold the released barrier associated withan empty article storage unit in the open position. However, when the released barrier 120, associated with an empty article storage unit, is positioned above a storage unit having its gate or barrier 120 in an open position, the lever 132, associated with the released barrier, is in the position shown in Fig. 16, and the catch 130 engages the stop portion 152 to lock the released barrier open. When the catch 130 engages the cam portion 145, or is returned in an open position under the joint action of the springs 140 and 146, thus indicating that the barrier 120, of the next lowest storage unit is in an article intercepting position, passage of one of the articles 112 over the gates in the locked open position, produces suflicient tension in the spring 146 connected thereto so that this barrier is moved to an article intercepting position.

When the catch 130 is in engagement with the shoulder or stop portion 152, movement of an article 112 thereover does not move this barrier 120 to a normal position inasmuch as the tension produced in the spring 146 connected thereto by depression of barrier 120 to the position 125 (Fig. 6) is insufiicient to move the catch 130 past the stop 152. Therefore, when the catch 130 is in engagement With the cam surface 145, the locked open barrier 120 is conditioned for movement into a normal article intercepting position upon the next passage of an article 112 thereover, but whenthe catch. 130 engages anasao 7 152, thus indicating that the preceding Inuit is also in. an open pcstion, the barrier is unable to move In a normal article intercepting position upon the next passage of an article 112 thereover.

Toplevent the catch 130 from rebounding out of en- "meat with the shoulder 152, when moved into enement therewith under the resilient action of the spring 146, a portion of the cam member 127 is provided with a plurality of vertically extending and spaced serrations l. Thse serrations sequentially engage an end surfl: of the catch 130 to absorb the energy of impact fld tlnreby prevent the catch 130 from being displaced from engagement with the shoulder 152.

To provide a means for controlling the plurality of article storage units 102, 104 and 106, the releaser storage illit 108 (Figs. 7, 8, 9 and 10) is provided with a barrier Hilhich is movably mounted between the side walls Iliad nar a shaft 158. The shaft 158 is rotatably Md 'itlu'n a pair of flanges or wings 160 formedintegral with the releaser barrier 156. The lower extrllib. of one of the wings 160 (Figs. 13 and 14) is pro- W with an arcuate latch member 162 having a notch therein which is adapted to receive a right angle peeieetion or catch 166 formed on a release lever 168.

The relwse lever 168 is pivotally mounted on a flanged portion ofthe side wall 116 and is engaged midway along ilalemth by a cam portion 170 (Fig. 8) formed in the (berating .armature. 172 of the control solenoid 110. when the solenoid 110 is energized under the control of the circuit described in the copending application of referred to above, the shaft 172 is moved to the right, as viewed in Fig. 8 of the drawings, to move the mmportion 170 into engagement with a lower alfiaeeof the lever 168.

This movement of the armature 172 rotates the lever aatmglb bracket 178 which interconnects the two side walls 1 116 and 118.

After the weight of the article 112 to be dispensed is removed from the barrier 156, the barrier is rotated in a counterclockwise direction under the resilient action of a Qringlfl, which interconnects one of the wings 160 withthe sidewall 116, to a position similar to that indicmted at 144 (Fig. 6). in which the lower edge of the blrrier 156 is in engagement with the upper level cam mince 136, of the link 132 associated with the article Sorlge unit 102. This clockwise rotation of the barrier 186 to engage the cam portion 136 pivots the control link 132 in the article storage unit 102 in a counterchebn'se direction to release the barrier 120 associated with this article storage unit.

The barrier 1515 is returned to its normal article intercepting position under the resilient action of the spring 11 sothat the catch 166 is positioned in the notch 164. The catch 166 is prevented from engaging a notch 164 during its clockwise movement producing the deflection of the control link 132 by a steeply inclined cam surface mfiormed in the arcuate latch member 162. This mepty inclined cam surface raises the lower edge of m portion simiiar tn the cam or shouldered. por-.-

tion 152. provided onthe plurality of latch members 127 associated with the article storage units 102, 104 and 106, and therefore, the releaser gate or barrier 156 is always returned to a normal article intercepting position following each release thereof under the control of the solenoid 110. The lower edge of the barrier 156, which engages the end of the link 132 associated with the article storage unit 102, functions: to control this lever in the same manner as the plurality of gates or barriers 120 control the levers 132 associated therewith.

From the foregoing detailed description, it is believed that the operation of the dispensing chute will readily be understood. Referring to Fig. 5a of the drawings, there is shown the dispensing chute 100 in which each of the storage units 102, 104, 106 and 108 are filled with articles 112 to be dispensed. The initial energization of the solenoid 110, under the control of an external circuit, attracts the armature 172 thereof (Fig. 8) to move the cam surface 170 into engagement with the lower surface of the lever 168. This movement of the armature 172 rotates the lever 168 (Fig. 13) in a clockwise direction to move the catch 166 out of engagement with the notch 164 so that the barrier 156 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction under the combined action of the spring 176 r and the weight of the article 112 contained in the releaser storage unit 108.

The barrier 156 moves into engagement with the stop member 178 and the article 112 slides over the surface of the barrier 156 and is dispensed to a suitable conveying means. One type of conveying means which is well adapted for use with a plurality of the chutes 100 is disclosed in a copending application of John Winn, Serial No. 145,255, filed February 20, 1950, and entitled Transfer and Conveying Devices. As the article 112 drops off the barrier 156, the spring 180 pivots this barrier in a clockwise direction. This clockwise rotation of the barrier 156 pivots the control link 132 associated with the barrier in the article storage unit 102 in a counterclockwise direction by engaging the higher level cam surface 136 associated with this lever. The counterclockwise rotation of the lever 132 moves the catch out of engagement with the notch 128 associated with the barrier 120 in the article storage unit 102 so that this barrier moves in a counterclockwise direction under the combined action of the weight of the article. 112 in the unit 102 and the resilient action of the spring 140. This counterclockwise rotation of the barrier 120 continues until such time as the upper edge of this barrier engages the bed plate 114 of the releaser storage unit 108. Thereafter, the article 112 moves across the upper surface of the barrier 120 and downwardly along the upper surface of the bed plate 114 in the unit 108 into engagement with the barrier 156.

The barrier 156 is locked in an article intercepting position at the time that the article 112 slides into engagement therewith, since the resilient action of the spring 176 pivots this barrier in a counterclockwise direction to move the latch 166 into engagement with the notch 164 immediately following the release of the barrier 120 in the unit 102.

As the article 112 passes beyond the depressed barrier 120 associated with the unit 102, this barrier is rotated in a clockwise direction under the resilient action of the spring 146 connected thereto to move this barrier to the position shown at 144 in Fig. 6 of the drawings. At this time, the lower edge of the barrier 120 is in engagement with the upper level cam portion 136 to produce counterclockwise deflection of the control link 132 associated with the article storage unit 104. The barrier 12-0 associated with the storage unit 102 is then rotated in a counterclockwise direction under the resilient action of the spring associated therewith to move the catch 130 into alignment and engagement with the notch 128, thereby to hold the barrier 120 associated with the storage unit 102 in an article intercepting position.

The counterclockwise deflection of the control link or lever 132, associated with the barrier 120 forming. thestorage unit 104, releases this barrier to permit the article 112 stored therein to move into the article storage unit 102 over the depressed barrier 120. Thereafter, the barrier 120 is rotated in a clockwise direction to deflect the control lever 132 associated with the article storage 106 in a counterclockwise direction and, subsequent thereto, to move into a normal article intercepting position with the catch 130 in engagement with the notch 128.

The counterclockwise deflection of the control lever 132, associated with the barrier 120 in the article storage unit 106, releases this barrier to permit the article 112 in the unit 106 to move thereover and into engagement with the barrier 120 in the article storage unit 104. As the article 112 moves off the depressed barrier 120, associated with the storage unit 106, this barrier moves in a clockwise direction to the position indicated at 144 in Fig. 6 and then in a counterclockwise direction to permit re-engagement of the catch 130 and the notch 128 to secure this barrier in a normal article intercepting position. At this time, the plurality of barriers 120 and the barrier 156 are in the positions shown in Fig. b of the drawings.

The next energization of the controlling solenoid 110 likewise produces movement of the armature 172 controlled thereby sequentially to release and lock the gate 156, and the gate 120 associated with the storage unit 102 to permit the article 112 in the releaser storage unit 108 to be dispensed and to permit the article 112 in the storage unit 102 to move into engagement with the barrier 156 in the releaser storage unit 108.

The movement of the barrier 120, associated with the article storage unit 102, in a counterclockwise direction immediately following the movement of the article 112 contained in this unit to the unit 108, produces a counterclockwise deflection of the control link or lever 132, associated with the article storage unit 104. This counterclockwise deflection of the lever 132 moves the catch 130 out of engagement with the notch 128 and permits the barrier 120, associated with the article storage unit 104, to be deflected in a counterclockwise direction under the combined force of the article 112, in engagement therewith, and the spring 140 connected thereto. This counterclockwise movement of the barrier 120 provides a conveying surface to transport the article in the unit 104 to the unit 102. Thereafter, this barrier 120 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction under the resilient action of the spring 140 to produce a counterclockwise deflection of the control link 132 associated with the article storage unit 106. The barrier 120, associated with the storage unit 104, is then rotated in a counterclockwise direction to move the notch 128 into engagement with the catch 130 to lock the gate 120 in a normal article intercepting position.

The counterclockwise deflection of the lever 132 controlling the barrier 120, associated with the empty article storage unit 106, moves the catch 130 out of engagement with the notch 128 and permits the barrier 120 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction under the resilient action of the spring 140 connected thereto. However, since the additional force normally provided by the article 112 moving thereover is not present, the barrier 120, associated with the storage unit 106, is not moved to the completely depressed position in which the barrier engagesthe bed plate 114 of the storage unit 104, but is merely moved to a position intermediate the normal article intercepting position and the completely depressed position 125.

At this time, the link 132 controlling the operation'of the unit 106 is in the position shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings in which the lower edge of the barrier 120, associated with the article storage unit 104, now in normal article intercepting position, engages the lower cam'surface 134. In this position, the link 132 is in engagement with the shoulder 152 of the arcuate latch member 127, and, accordingly, the barrier 120, associated with the empty article storage unit 106, is maintained in-the position .10 shown in solid line in Fig. 16 and as indicated at 150 in Fig. 6 of the drawings. The plurality of barriers 120 and the barrier 156 are now in the positions shownin Fig. 5c of the drawings.

The next energization of the control solenoid moves the plurality of barriers and 156 to the positions shown in Fig. 5d of the drawings and produces the dispensation of an additional article 112. In Fig. 5d of the drawings, the barriers 120, associated with the storage units 104 and 106, are in the open positions and the barriers 156 and 120, associated with the article storage unit 102 and 108, are locked in a normal article intercepting position. The movement of the barrier 120 associated with the unit 104 to a locked open position moves the link 132 controlling the barrier of the unit 106 to the position shown in Fig. 16 and thereby prevents movement of this barrier out of the locked open position even though articles 112 pass thereover.

The next or fourth energization of the solenoid 110 moves the armature 172to the right, as shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings, to produce a counterclockwise deflection of the lever 168 (Fig. 13) to move the catch 166 out of engagement with the notch 164 to permit counterclockwise rotation of the barrier 156 under the combined force provided by the weight of the article 112 in the unit 108 and the spring 176. This counterclockwise movement of the barrier 156 continues until the upper end thereof engages the stop member 178, whereupon the last article 112 is dispensed.

As the weight of the article 112 is removed from the barrier 156, this barrier is moved in a clockwise direction under the resilient action of the spring 180. During this clockwise rotation, the lower edge of the cam 166 rides over the cam surface 184 (Fig. 13), passes beyond the notch 164 and is then returned to a position in alignment with the notch 164 under the resilient force of the spring 180. As the catch 166 moves into alignment with the notch 164, it drops into engagement therewith, and the barrier 156 is locked in a normal article intercepting position.

The downward or counterclockwise deflection of the lever 132 controlling the barrier 120, associated with the article storage unit 102, moves the catch out of engagement with the notch 128 to permit this barrier to move into the locked open position indicated at in Fig. 6 in the same manner as that described above in conjunction with the operation of the barrier 120, associated with the empty article storage unit 106. However, since the lever 132 controlled by locked gate 156 is in the position shown in Fig. 6, movement of the next article over the barrier 120associated with unit 102 will produce enough tension in the spring 146 associated therewith to move the gate 120 of unit 102 to an article intercepting position, since the catch 130 only needs to slide over the cam surface 145. The passage of an. article over the barrier 120 in the units 104 and 106 does not move these barriers to an article intercepting position since the catches 130 associated therewith are engaged by the shoulders 152. At this time, the plurality of barriers 120 and 156 are in the positions shown in Fig. 5e of the drawings.

Referring now to Fig. 4a in the drawings, there is shown a dispensing chute 100 which is empty and in condition to be reloaded. In this condition, the plurality of barriers 120 and 156 arein the same positions as those shown in Fig. 5e of the drawings following the dispensation of the last article 112. T o fill the chute 100, the articles 112 may be fed to the upper end of the chute 100 by any suitable means, either automatic or manual.

The first article is placed on the bed plate 114 associated with the article storage unit 106 and this article slides progressively downward over the plurality of bed plates 114, associated with the storage units 104, 102 and 107, until such time as the article 112 engages the barrier 156 locked in a normal article intercepting position. Movement of the article over the barriers 120 associated 11 Iith the storage: units 104 and. 106 depresses these bartiers into article conveying positions in which the upper edges of these. barriers are in engagement with the bed plates 114 of the next lower article storage units. As the article 112 moves over these barriers, they arev re turned to the locked open position under the action of the springs 146. The deflected barriers are not permitted to return to normal article intercepting positions inasmuch as. the links 132 controlling the operation of these barriers are still in the position shown in Fig. 16 of the drawings.

The movement of the article 112 over the barrier 12 3*, associated with the article storage unit 102, moves this barrier into an article conveying position, and, after the article. moves thereover into engagement with the locked botrier 156, the barrier 120 is rotated in a clockwise dh'edion under the resilient action of the spring 146 connmted thereto. The clockwise rotation of this barrier 12.) continues to the position shown at 144 in Fig. 6 inasmuch .8 the lever 132 controlling the operation of this gate is in the position shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings by virtue d the engagement of the lower edge of the normally locked barrier 156 with the lower cam portion 134.

The counterclockwise deflection of the lever 132, associated with the barrier 120 of the storage unit 104, by the clockwise deflection of the barrier 120, associated with the unit 102, although displacing the catch 130 in an upward direction, does not move the barrier 120, assodated with the unit 104, from the locked open position inasmuch as there is no force for deflecting this barrier to an article conveying position in order to produce suflicient tension in the spring 146 connected thereto to displace the barrier in a clockwise direction.

The barrier 120, associated with the storage unit 102, is then rotated in a counterclockwise direction under the control of the spring 146 connected thereto so that the catch 130 moves into engagement with the notch 128 and locks this barrier in a normal article intercepting position. This movement of the barrier to an article intercepting position moves the lever 132 controlled thereby to the position shown in Fig. 6 so that the catch 1:. associated with the unit 104 engages the cam surface 106 and is conditioned. for movement to an article intereepting position following the passage of the next article thereover. At this time the plurality of barriers 156 and 120 are in the position shown in Fig. 4b of the drawings.

The second article placed on the bed plate 114 of the storage unit 106 progressively slides down the chute 100 over the barriers 120 associated with the storage units 104 and 106 to engage the previously locked barrier 120, associated with the article storage unit 102. word movement locks the barrier 120 associated with the article storage unit 104, in a normal article interoepting position, conditions the barrier 120 forming the unit 106 for movement to an article intercepting position, and leaves the plurality of barriers 156 and 120 in the positions shown in Fig. 4c of the drawings.

The movement of a third article 112 downwardly along the chute 100 to engage the locked barrier 120 associated with the article storage unit 104 locks the barrier 120 associated with the article storage unit 106 in an article intercepting position and leaves the plurality of barriers 156 and 120 in the positions shown in Fig. 4d of the drawings. Thereafter, a fourth article 112 is placed in the storage unit 106 to engage the barrier 12!? thereof locked in an article intercepting position by passage of the third article thereover. The dispensing chute 100 is now conditioned for operation in the manner described above in conjunction with Figs. 5a to Sc, inclusive, of the drawmgs.

It should be understood, however, that articles 112 may be. placed in the chute 100 at any time that a vacancy exists in any of the plurality of article storage units 1.02, 104, 106 without waiting until such time as all of this plurality of storage units are emptied. The invention, More, provides a. novel dispensing chute in which a This downplurality of articles of uneven dimension and soft or re,- silient nature may be. accurately dispensed under the control of a. single energized or actuated means, and in which the dispensing chute may readily be loaded from one end at any time during the cycle of operation of the dispensing chute.

It is to be understood that the above described embodiments of this invention are merely illustrative of the principles thereof and numerous other modifications may be devised by those skilled in the art which will embody and fall within the spirit and scope of these principles.

What. is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters iatent of the United States is:

1. An article dispensing chute comprising an inclined frame for supporting the articles, a plurality of barriers movably mounted on the frame to form a plurality of separate article storage units, each of said barriers being movable into proximity to the lower adjacent storage unit to provide a surface for conveying articles from one storage unit to the next and being movable into an article intercepting position to form one of the article storage units, latch means mounted on each of the bartiers, catch means cooperating with each of the latch means normally to hold each barrier in the article intercepting position, each of said catches being connected to and operated by movement of the barrier forming the adjacent lower storage unit, and means secured to the barrier for normally urging the barriers into article intercepting positions.

2. Article dispensing apparatus comprising an inclined frame for supporting the articles, a plurality of barriers movably mounted on the frame to define a plurality of article storage units, each of said barriers being movable into engagement with the next lowest unit to form an article supporting surface and into an article intercepting position to form one of the article storage units, a latch individual to each barrier, a catch mounted on each of said units, each latch normally being in engagement with the catch individual to the next lowest storage unit, each cooperating pair of latches and catches being moved out of engagement in response to movement of the barrier forming the next lowest storage unit into its article supporting and transferring position, and means secured to each barrier urging the barrier toward an article intercepting position.

3. A unit dispensing device comprising an inclined plane provided with guiding members assembled in the form of an open trough and supporting a series of adjacent storage sections, each of the said sections including a bed, a hinged barrier, and mechanism for releasing, restoring and locking said barriers in sequence, said mechanism comprising a restoring means, a link, a latch and a catch, said adjacent storage sections being operatively connected by said link, said latch and said restoring means being secured to said hinged member, said catch being secured to said link and controlled by movement of one of the hinged barriers, the restoring means serving normally to maintain the hinged barriers in an article obstructing, position, the latch of one storage section cooperating with the catch of the next lower storage section, and the catch of said one storage section cooperating with the latch of the next higher storage section.

4. A unit dispensing device comprising an inclined plane provided with guiding members assembled in the form of an open trough and supporting a series of adjacent storage sections, each of said sections embodying a bed, a hinged barrier, and mechanism for releasing, restoring and locking said barriers in sequence, said mechanism comprising a counterweight, a tie, a latch and a spring catch, said adjacent storage sections being operatively connected by said hinged barriers, the sides of each of said barriers being extended by wings fastened at right angles to. said barriers, engaging depending ears fastened to said. inclined plane, each of said barriers swinging on bearings mounted between said wings and said cars and being of a width substantially equal to a trans verse cross section of said trough, said latch and counterweight depending from said hinged member, said bed providing a support for said catch, said latch being connected to said catch by said tie, the counterweight serving normally to maintain the hinged barrier in an article obstructing position in which the tie is taut between the latch and catch and the latch of one storage section cooperates with the catch of the next lower storage section, and the catch of said one storage section cooperating with the latch of the next higher storage section.

5. A unit dispensing device comprising an inclined plane provided with guiding members assembled in the form of an open trough and supporting a series of dispensing units provided with transverse hinged barriers, the sides of each of said barriers being extended by wings fastened at right angles to said barriers, engaging depending ears fastened to said inclined plane, each of said barriers swinging on bearings mounted between said Wings and said ears, and being substantially equal to a transverse cross section of said trough, one of said Wings being provided with a balanced counterweight and a latch, a catch depending from said inclined plane, said latch being linked to said catch by a flexible tie, said counterweight being adapted to maintain said barrier in a position substantially perpendicular to said chute, the tie being taut between the latch and catch in such position, said latch of each unit being contiguous to the catch on the next lower unit and cooperating with it, said catch of each unit being contiguous to the latch of the next higher unit and cooperating with it, and each set of cooperating latches and catches being operatively connected when the barrier of the respective latch is in the said perpendicular position.

6. Article dispensing apparatus comprising a frame having a plurality of inclined bed portions, a plurality of barriers movably mounted on the frame adjacent the bed portion to form a plurality of article storage units including one of the bed portions and one of the barriers, each of said barriers being movable to a position interconnecting bed portions to convey articles from one storage section to the next and to an article intercepting position to form one of the storage units, means normally latching the plurality of barriers in the article intercepting position, and means controlled by movement of one of said barriers to an article conveying position for sequentially releasing the remaining barriers to move to article conveying positions, said releasing means also including means for preventing return movement of the barriers into article intercepting positions prior to return of the next lowest barrier to an article intercepting position.

7. Article dispensing apparatus comprising an inclined frame having a plurality of separate supporting bed portions, a plurality of barriers pivotally mounted on the frame between each bed portion to define a plurality of article storage units when the barrier is in an upright position, means secured to the barrier for urging the barrier toward said upright position, means normally holding the barriers in these upright positions, means mounted on the barriers for sequentially releasing the holding means to move the released barriers into engagement with the bed portion of the next lowest storage unit, and means including the releasing means and the holding means for preventing the holding means from securing the barrier in the upright position prior to securing of the next lowest barrier, said preventing means being rendered inoperative by movement of an article over the released gate into a next lowest storage unit having the barrier thereof held in the upright position.

8. An article dispensing device comprising a frame having a plurality of spaced article supporting bed portions, a plurality of barriers movably mounted on the frame between each of the bed portions to define a plurality of article storage units, a detent member secured to each of said barriers for holding the barrier in an article intercepting position, and a linking member mounted on each of the bed portions and engageable at one end with the detent of the next highest storage unit, the other end of said link being moved under the control of the barrier associated with the next lowest storage unit, said links being moved out of engagement with the detents when the barrier of the next lowest storage unit is released to permit the released barrier to move into engagement with the bed portion of the next lowest storage unit for conveying articles thereover, and means including said detent-s for preventing engagement of cooperating links and detents prior to movement of an article over the barrier on which the detent is mounted into the next lowest storage unit having the barrier thereof held in an article intercepting position.

9. Article dispensing apparatus comprising a plurality of spaced and inclined article storage units, each of said units comprising a bed portion for supporting an article, a barrier mounted adjacent one end of the bed portion and movable into proximity to the bed portion of an adjacent storage unit to provide a surface over which an article moves from one bed portion to the next, a member mounted on the barrier and having two detent portions, a link pivotally mounted on the bed portion with one end in engagement with the barrier to be moved thereby and with the other end normally in engagement with the member mounted on the barrier associated with the next highest storage unit, said end of the link engaged by the barrier having two cam portions thereon, one of said cam portions moving the link out of normal engagement with a first detent portion and a second of said cam portions moving the link into engagement with the second detent portion, and mean-s for releasing the barrier associated with the end of the link.

10. Article dispensing apparatus comprising an inclined frame having an article supporting bed portion; a plurality of barriers movably mounted on the frame, said barriers having an article retaining position extending transverse to the bed portion to define article storage units and a deflected position to release said articles; and successively operated automatic barrier position and movement controlling means holding said barriers in said article retaining position and including first detent means for holding said barriers out of an article retaining position in a partially deflected position, said controlling means also including means for rendering said first detent means ineffective in order to permit movement of said barriers to an article retaining position following movement of said barriers from said partially deflected position to said deflected position.

11. The apparatus defined by claim 10 in which the controlling means includes means for rendering the first detent means effective to cause the barriers forming the article storage units to be successively moved from said article retaining position to said partially deflected position following the dispensing of an article from the next lowest article storage unit.

12. The apparatus defined by claim 10 in which the controlling means includes second detent means for holding at least one of said barriers in an article retaining position which are rendered effective to hold said barrier when the barrier is successively moved from said partially deflected position to said deflected position and thence to said article retaining position during the loading of said apparatus.

13. Article dispensing apparatus comprising a frame having an inclined article supporting bed portion, a plurality of barriers movably mounted on the frame to form a plurality of article storage units when the barriers extend transverse to the bed portion in an article retaining position, means holding said barriers out of said article retaining position, means responsive to movement of the barrier forming the next lowest storage unit into an article retaining position for conditioning the barrier forming a selected storage unit for movement to a retaining position, and means responsive to movement of an 15 article into said next lowest storage unit for moving the barrier tanning said selected storage unit into an article retaining position.

14. -Article diwensing apparatus comprising an inclined frame having an article supporting bed portion, a pinrality of barriers movably mounted at spaced positions on the frame to define. a plurality of article storage units when the barriers extend outwardly from said supporting bed in an article retaining position, said barriers having control means for controlling movement of said barriers b In article releasing position and including first and second detent means,v and linkage interconnecting each of said control means with the barrier forming the, next lowest storage unit, said linkage cooperating with said first detent means to hold the associated barrier in an article retaining position, and said linkage engaging said 16 second detent means when said-barrier is moved from said article retaining position to positively prevent the associated barrier from returning to. its article retaining position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,044,682 Melchert Nov. 19, 1912 1,642,992 Fuller Sept. 20, 1927 1,855,767 Neurnan Apr. 26, 1932 2,176,384 Varney Oct. 17, 1939 2,193,942 Shackelford Mar. 19, 1940 2,509,546 Welk et a1 May 30, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS 8,175 Great Britain 1904 

